25 Apip(The Twenty-Fifth Day of the Blessed Month of Abib)

The Martyrdom of the Saint Abba Isaac

This day also marks, the martyrdom of the Saint Abba
Isaac, who was from Shama, district of Ashmoun. He worked as a gardener and
overseer of an orchard. He was pious, gentle, and devoted to God. He did not eat
meat or drink wine. He fasted two days at a time, then broke the fast with
legumes. He visited the poor and the needy, and gave them what was left of his
wages. The angel of the Lord appeared to him in a vision and commanded him to go
to the governor and confess the Name of Christ to receive the crown of
martyrdom. Abba Isaac rejoiced, distributed all that he had, went to the
governor, and confessed the Lord Christ. The governor tortured him much, but the
Lord strengthened and healed him. Afterwards, the governor cut off his holy head
and he received the crown of martyrdom. The people of his hometown came and took
his pure body with great honor. The Lord wrought many great signs and wonders of
his holy body.